Melvin Higgins

Melvin's Story

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Melvin Higgins, 89, widower of Rhonda Williamson Higgins, died Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at The Willows at Citation in Lexington. Mr. Higgins was born September 26, 1927, in Magoffin County, Ky., to the late Troy and Bonnie Lindon Higgins. He worked as a barber in Berea for over 62 years.
Mr. Higgins served his country during WWII in the Navy and again during the Korean War in the Army. He served on the Kentucky State Board of Barbering for 22 years serving as the chair during his tenure. He also served two terms on the Berea City Council, and as a member of the Berea Housing Authority. Mr. Higgins was instrumental in obtaining the funding and approval for construction of the Clay Fee Homes. The Melvin Higgins building located behind city hall is named in his honor for his commitment and tenure with the Berea Sewer Commission. Mr. Higgins served on the Berea Cemetery Board for many years retiring in 2016. He was a member of the American Legion Cleveland Frost Post #50 and was a past recipient of the Legionnaire of the year award. He was a recipient of the CC Hensley award for his many contributions and lifetime of service to the City of Berea.
Mr. Higgins devoted his life to service to his country, community and profession. He was a much beloved father, grandfather and brother and a renowned story teller.
Other than his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by eight brothers and two sisters, Seldon, Ishmael, Lindon, Byron, Ray, Joe, John David, and Chandler Higgins, Fannye Bowman and Dorothy Enfield.
Mr. Higgins is survived by his children: Scot Higgins and his wife Vicky of Cumming, Ga., and Jane Higgins and her husband Richard Hopgood of Lexington; two brothers, Glen Higgins and his wife Dolores of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Julian Higgins of Shalimar, Fla., and one sister, Thelma Powers of New Haven, Conn. Three grandchildren also survive Mr. Higgins, Kimberly Condra and her husband Jeff, Travis Higgins, and Samantha Sipple.
Inurnment will be private in the Berea Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, September 23, from 5-9 p.m. at the Davis & Powell Funeral Home. A celebration in honor of Mr. Higgins' life will take place at Boone Tavern Hotel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 24.
Contributions suggested to Bluegrass Hospice Care 2312 Alexandria Dr. Lexington, KY 40504, or Cleveland Frost Post #50, 101 Holly Street Berea, KY. 40403
www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com